Ron DeSantis' State of the State address might be as much for Iowa voters as it is for Floridians

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The Governor is expected to use the traditional opening of the Legislature to highlight his successes on the issues that please conservatives everywhere.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address on Tuesday is supposed to be about Florida’s future. Iowa, though, is more likely at the front of his mind.

The speech kicking off Florida’s annual legislative session comes exactly a week before Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses, and DeSantis has been spending much more time in the Hawkeye State than the Sunshine State in recent weeks.

So it won’t be a surprise if his sixth State of the State is as much a message to Iowa voters as it is a forecast of his continued vision for Florida.

“He will definitely say the state of the state is strong. He has to at least check that box, but I suspect he’s going to use his State of the State address as his last-ditch effort to pitch to national donors and to voters in Iowa,” House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell said. “He’d rather be on the ground in Iowa than he would be in Florida.

It was hardly a secret DeSantis was planning a presidential run when he made last year’s address, and it was clear his message was for the rest of the country, touting his conservative achievements and laying the groundwork to run on what he calls the “Florida blueprint.”

But whether it’s the blueprint, his difficulty connecting with voters or simply former President Donald Trump’s unshakable base, DeSantis’ support in Iowa has dropped by nearly half since he announced his candidacy last year.

Unlike past years, when DeSantis would spend months forecasting his priorities ahead of the session, this year he has largely been silent as he woos Iowa and New Hampshire voters. Many of his staff who helped him prepare for the 2023 State of the State address are now in Iowa.

“A lot of his team is now on the campaign trail, so you’re managing with a skeleton crew,” former Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes said. “He’s not going to want a huge amount of fights here to distract from the national picture. Nothing I’ve seen coming out of the Legislature is earth shattering or groundbreaking this year.”

Although DeSantis will head straight back to Iowa after the session opens, he will still have a powerful grip on lawmakers. DeSantis has a reputation for the vengeful use of his budget line-item veto power and the Republican-dominated Legislature has shown a willingness to do what he wants.

“The governor has these people pretty much trained,” Brandes said. “Many of these House and Senate members are calling the governor’s office preclearing their legislation at a volume that historically you have not seen, at least in the Senate.”

DeSantis’ speech will be delivered in the state House chambers after lawmakers hold ceremonies opening the session. It likely will highlight his success over the last few years and remind conservatives of his efforts to restrict abortion, ban instruction on LGBTQ+ topics in schools, keep immigrants living in the country illegally out of Florida, expand gun rights and push back against federal government advice on COVID-19 restrictions and treatments.

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Republished with permission from The Associated Press.

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8 comments

Dont Say FLA
January 7, 2024 at 2:40 pm

Rhonda calls his attempt at governing Florida the Florida Blue Print, but it’s more aptly described as the Failed Red Stain.
Earl Pitts "Sage Political Expert Emaritas" American
January 7, 2024 at 3:40 pm

Good Afternoon America,
STOP LOOK AND BE INFORMED:
“Wake Up America”
Take a good look here and realize ….. its just another lying A. P. article.
I mean if you like manipulative lies based on tiny scraps of “Semi-Truth” cobbled together than FINE.
BUT:
If on the other hand you seek Truth Justice & The American Way you will seek your news elsewhere.
THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS BROUGHT TO YOU COURTSEY OF EARL PITTS AMERICAN.
- George
  January 7, 2024 at 6:12 pm
  
  Is that you, Christina Pushaw?
  - Dont Say FLA
    January 8, 2024 at 9:36 am
    
    Naw, Earl is way smarter than Christina. And better looking too (which tbh ain’t saying much)
tom palmer
January 7, 2024 at 10:41 pm

Good evening, Gov. DeSantis. What brings you to Florida?
Michael K
January 8, 2024 at 7:20 am

All of the damage DeSantis has inflicted on good people and institutions in Florida have been met with disdain, indifference, and yawns by the broader American electorate. Turns out America has no interest in embracing the stupid and harmful divisions DeSantis has arrogantly foisted on this state. Shame on the legislature for enabling the failing delusions of a bitter little man so unfit to serve – all at great cost to this state.
- Dont Say FLA
  January 8, 2024 at 9:41 am
  
  28% of G0P’s do embrace Rhonda’s ideology, but they already got their false idol.
  
  Dunno what Rhonda was thinking, that Trump would drop out? That Trump’s (still) voters would (finally) dump Trump?
  
  LOL, Not happening, Rhonda.
  
  Somebody please beat up Rhonda and steal their milk money so they stop milking this failed campaign for whatever it is they’re grifting out of State of Florida and/or the elderlies who got telemarketing scammed by Rhonda’s Never Bend Over PAC
John L
January 8, 2024 at 10:09 am

This so called governor has been missing in action all year. Then to make things worse, he attacked his dumb culture war and ruined education in the state to run to the right of trump and has zero shot of beating him but the state syill has no answer for insurance crisis or real estate nightmare for rent and buying a house. Horrible job Iowa Governor Duh santis